By Lukmon Akintola
Long after the last hymn was sung and the final prayers offered, the echoes of unity, generosity, and uncommon faith still linger from the 2026 Thanksgiving Ceremony hosted by Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church.
Held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the thanksgiving service was not merely another grand religious gathering. It was a profound statement one that challenged conventional boundaries of faith and redefined what it means to truly serve God in a deeply plural society like Nigeria.
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The mosque donated by Primate Elijah Ayodele
While many expected the usual displays of philanthropy associated with Primate Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving, few anticipated the moment that would ultimately define the event: the donation and commissioning of a newly built mosque for the Muslim community.
The thanksgiving programme featured an extensive empowerment segment during which Primate Ayodele distributed vehicles, tricycles, minibuses, cash gifts, home appliances, free WAEC forms, accommodation payments, sewing machines for tailors’ associations, and other life-changing support. Yet, as impressive as these gestures were, they were not what stirred the deepest emotions.
What truly left the audience in awe was the spirit of inclusiveness that permeated the event.
Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers sat side by side. Christian hymns were sung, while Islamic clerics mounted the pulpit to offer prayers and words of appreciation. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect rare, refreshing, and deeply symbolic.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from across religious, political, and traditional institutions. Among those present were Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State; Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle Faronbi-Shekoni; and Abuja-based cleric Joshua Iginla.
Others included the Yahaya Abubaka; Joe Oke, the Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Ayinla, and several local government chairmen and community leaders.
The highlight of the day came with the commissioning of the mosque built by Primate Ayodele and named after Asabi Alaba Abibat Mogaji, the late mother of President Tinubu.
Addressing the gathering, Primate Ayodele said the project was not a political gesture nor a search for public approval, but a divine instruction.
“Building this mosque isn’t about attention or personal gain. It was a divine instruction I could not ignore. A mosque is a house of worship, just like a church. I am answerable only to God,” he said.
He further explained that the name of the mosque was also divinely inspired, despite public perceptions about his political stance.
“People think I hate Tinubu or that I want something in return. That is not true. God chose the name. If anyone wants to condemn me, that is their business.”
The mosque was formally handed over to Muslim clerics, with Primate Ayodele clearly stating that he would have no role in its administration.
Receiving the mosque, Muslim leaders described the gesture as a powerful symbol of unity beyond religious labels.
“This shows that religion and character are not the same,” one cleric said. “With this act, Primate Ayodele has proven that we are one.”
The Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, through his representative, urged Nigerians to fear God and embrace unity, likening Primate Ayodele to Prophet Elijah (Elias) referenced in the Holy Qur’an.
Traditional rulers, including the Osolo of Isolo and the Etsu Nupe, praised the cleric’s selflessness, while the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo pledged continued support and announced assistance for an ailing community member in need of a kidney transplant.
As attendees departed many with gifts, others with renewed hope it was clear that the 2026 Thanksgiving Ceremony had achieved something deeper than celebration. It delivered a message of unity, compassion, and fearless obedience to faith.
In a nation often divided along religious lines, Primate Elijah Ayodele once again demonstrated that true worship is not confined to doctrine, but expressed through love, sacrifice, and service to humanity.
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